ORGANISERS are gearing up for one of Aberystwyth’s most prestigious sporting events, and have increased the schedule as it enters its seventh year.

Aberystwyth Cycle Festival begins on Monday, 23 May, and will last for eight days and feature nine cycling events as organisers prepare for the busiest schedule yet in the increasingly popular cycling festival.

Co-organiser Shelley Childs said: “AberCycleFest proves how this great town can come together and put on such a successful major event.

“From the businesses, who are so understanding of the road closures and those who have provided sponsorship, to our main institutions like Aberystwyth University and the National Library, and then our town and county councils - all have played a role in providing services and facilities to enable the festival to take place.

“For 2016 we are focusing on women’s cycling with a women’s-only race now included at the Tour Series and we are screening the story of perhaps the best female cyclist of all time, Beryl Burton, at our gala evening.

“Add to that the fact that multi-Olympic Gold medallist Ed Clancy is gunning for his fourth individual win here in Aberystwyth and we have the recipe for a great celebration of cycling.”

Talybont professional cyclist Gruff Lewis, who will be competing for Madison Genesis in his first year at the team, added: “Having established itself as a classic round of the tour series, myself and many pros are happy to see the return of this unique circuit.

“For me it is a highlight of the season - having my family and friend’s support on home roads is something I dream of."

For the full story, and details of all the events, see this week’s south editions, in shops and online on Wednesday